W2: Weekly Berry Update

Blueberry

Chile: Chile Will Boost the National Consumption of Blueberries (Jan 9)

Chile plants boost the national consumption of blueberries. Under the title "Blueberries With Everything!", the campaign contains different activities to promote the benefits and nutritional qualities of the mentioned fruit in the country. Chile plans to continue its leadership in the production of blueberries, with 167,588 tons in the 2022/23 season.

China: Chilean Blueberry Event Held in Guangzhou as Season Peak Nears (Jan 9)

China is the most important Asian market for Chilean blueberries, accounting for 59% of exports to Asia. With the Lunar New Year holiday approaching and the Chinese wintertime demand for fresh fruit is beginning to enter its peak period. Chile exported 91,337 metric tons of fresh blueberries in the 2021/22 season, of which 11,393 tons were exported to Asia, similar to those recorded in the previous season. China has now become the largest export destination for Chilean blueberries in Asia, with shipments to China reaching 6,730 tons in the 2021/22 season, accounting for 59% of total exports to Asia. Exports of fresh Chilean blueberries are expected to reach 98,228 tons in 2022/23.

Peru: Peruvian Blueberry Harvest Reaches Record 280,000 Tons (Jan 9)

The production of blueberries in Peru continues to rise, with ideal conditions for high productivity and a harvest almost all year round. The Foreign Agricultural Service of Lima (FAS) forecast that the Peruvian blueberry harvest will reach a record of 280K tons in the 2022 (March-April) marketing season, while exports are forecasted to reach 270K tons.

Peru: New Markets and Greater Exports Expected for Peruvian Blueberries (Jan 12)

In Peru, blueberry exports grew by 31% in 2022, and further growth is forecasted for 2023, despite the global market challenges, reported the manager of Proarándanos, the association of blueberry growers of Peru. The peak of exports was 21.3K in W38, which was 33% higher than the peak in 2021, and ended the year with more than 277K tons exported. As Peruvian exports are forecasted to grow, the focus remains on opening new markets. Israel, which only opened in the middle of 2022, received 46 tons by plane. But in 2023, at least double that figure is forecasted. Negotiations with Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, and Vietnam are underway. The peak of the Peruvian blueberry season, from September to October, has already finished shipping about 90% of the total volume this season. 

Peru: Growing Exports for Peruvian Blueberries (Jan 15)

In Peru, an increase in blueberry exports is forecasted, due to the newly planted areas and the delay in the fruit harvest. In 2023, the production increased by 25%, for a total of 365K tons. However, the volume increase will not match the value as a result of the falling international prices. The estimated total revenue is USD 1.7 billion in 2023, an increase of 21% compared to the previous year. Exports will grow, with estimated volumes of 292,000 tons for a value of USD 1.4 billion.